Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this is a live acoustic recording of the band, and hence quieter and less intense than their studio albums. If your kid is already a Foo Fighters fan, you'll want to get this CD. If not, it probably won't win anyone over as the Foos are still at their best rockin' out full-throttle.

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What's the story?

In the summer of 2006, the Foo Fighters embarked on an acoustic tour and the album SKIN AND BONES captures them one night in Los Angeles. A few songs that would've seemed ideal for this setting end up lacking: "Walking After You" feels chunky and staid, and "Big Me" is slowed way down and pales in comparison to the jauntiness of the original version. The band's standard shimmering guitar chords also run together, punctuated only by an occasional drumbeat. The Foos do go electric at certain points (it's not quite the "acoustic" tour it advertises -- at some points, as many as eight people are on stage playing strings, electric bass, and a full drum kit).

Is it any good?

QUALITY

The band does deserve credit for trying to expand their sound beyond their loud grunge roots, but for the most part, the performance tends to tread a safe path that results in a somewhat dull live recording. The listener who makes it to the final tracks, though, will be richly rewarded. "February Stars" sounds magnificent with the full ensemble onstage, and on the solo performance of "Best of You," Grohl lets out some demons -- and the crowd responds. The CD climaxes nicely with "Everlong," masterfully intensifying while taking full advantage of the live orchestra.

Families can talk about...

Families can talk about the value of musicians trying out different sounds. Can acoustic versions of rock songs reveal new things about the songs? When should musicians steer clear of unplugged versions of their songs? When does it work?

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The age displayed for each title is the minimum one for which it's developmentally appropriate. We recently updated all of our reviews to show only this age, rather than the multi-color "slider." Get more information about our ratings.

Loved it

Great Album

It's a CD by a band that doesn't often use profanity, and there is none on this CD. References to alcohal and cigerettes may be present, but really are not prevelent enough for parents to be put off this CD.

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